Canada Aims to Eradicate HIV by 2030 Amid Rising Case Numbers
As World AIDS Day marks its 34th year, Canada faces rising HIV infection rates, prompting renewed calls for action and a commitment to ending the disease by the end of the decade. The nation’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, acknowledged the worrying trend, revealing a 35% increase in new HIV diagnoses in 2023 compared to the previous year – a total of 2,434 new cases. The data indicates that approximately five Canadians are diagnosed with HIV every day.
While increased testing rates play a role in the increased numbers, Dr. Tam emphasized that social determinants of health are a major contributing factor. "Individuals aged 25 to 39 made up a significant portion of the new cases," she noted, highlighting issues like housing insecurity, lower income, substance use, and experiences of violence as barriers preventing access to healthcare.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Tam expressed optimism, commending community programs for their tireless efforts in combating the epidemic. "There is still much work to be done," Dr. Tam stated, "but I am inspired by the tremendous efforts that community programs have made in creating lasting change. It is through listening to the voices of people living with HIV and working closely with community, that we can take the right path and achieve our common goals.”
She underscored the powerful role of scientifiques knowledge in changing the fight against HIV.
"We now know that Undetectable = Untransmittable," Dr. Tam said. This phrase, central to a global movement, underlines the fact that HIV cannot be passed on when people living with the virus receive treatment and their viral load remains low. This information encourages individuals to seek testing and treatment, ultimately breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease.
This summer, the Canadian government launched its Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Action Plan for 2024-2030 to accelerate progress towards ending HIV as a public health concern. The plan leverages measures like promoting best practices in HIV care through acreditated training and widening access to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventative medication for individuals at risk of contracting the virus.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed this goal stating, “No Canadian should have to feel alone in this fight.” Dr. Tam shares his hope, believing Canada can achieve its target of eliminating HIV as a public health concern by 2030.
## Canada’s Aspiring Plan to End HIV by 2030: An Expert Outlook
**World today News:** Canada has committed to facilitating the end of HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, even as infection rates rise. What is driving this resurgence, and how realistic is this national goal?
**Dr.Emily Carter, infectious Disease Specialist & HIV Researcher at the University of Toronto:**
Thank you for having me. It’s critically important to acknowledge World AIDS Day and the progress made, but also address the challenges ahead.Rising HIV rates in Canada are concerning and
multifaceted.
**
Firstly, we’ve witnessed considerable disruption to healthcare access and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes delays in HIV testing, treatment initiation and access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which are critical tools in prevention and control.
Secondly,
societal stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV persist, serving as barriers to accessing care and support services.
we need to address the social determinants of health
– poverty, housing insecurity, food insecurity – which disproportionately impact marginalized communities and contribute to higher HIV transmission rates.
Achieving the goal of eradicating HIV by 2030 is undeniably ambitious, notably given current trends. Though, it’s crucial to remember that this is not about completely eliminating the virus, which might potentially be beyond reach. The aim is to virtually eliminate new infections and ensure those living with HIV can
lead healthy, fulfilling lives with access to quality care and treatment.
What concrete steps should Canada prioritize to make this goal achievable?
**
Dr. Carter:**
A multi-pronged approach is essential.
* **Scaling up testing and treatment:**
increased access to free, rapid, and confidential HIV testing is paramount. Early diagnosis
allows for timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART),which effectively suppresses HIV viral load,prevents onward transmission,and improves individual health outcomes.
* **Expanding PrEP access:**
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, a daily pill which dramatically reduces the risk of HIV acquisition, needs to be more widely available and accessible, particularly to at-risk populations.
* **Reducing stigma and discrimination:**
Public awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and community outreach are crucial to dismantle stereotypes and create a more supportive surroundings for people living with HIV.
* **Addressing social determinants of health:**
Policies that tackle issues like poverty, homelessness, and lack of access to healthcare are essential in reducing HIV disparities among marginalized communities.
* **Investing in research & innovation:**
Continuous investment in research for new prevention and treatment options, including a potential cure,
is critical to achieve the ultimate goal of ending HIV.
What role can public awareness and individual action play in this fight?
**
Dr. Carter:**
Individuals have a powerful role in ending HIV. Informed choices about sexual health, including safe sex practices and discussing PrEP with healthcare providers, can substantially reduce risk.
Furthermore, advocating for policy changes, challenging stigma, and supporting organizations working on the frontline are vital contributions. We must move beyond silence and forge a collective
effort to address this public health issue.
World Today news: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your expertise and insights.
We hope this interview sheds light on Canada’s ambitious yet crucial goal of ending HIV/AIDS and inspires readers to contribute to this important cause.
